How do you solve the equation x^2+x+1/4=9/16 by completing the square?

1 Answer
Jan 27, 2017

x=1/4" or "-5/4

Explanation:

rearrange as follows

x^2+x=9/16-1/4

x^2+x=5/16

complete the square LHS

(x^2+x+(1/2)^2)-(1/2)^2=5/16

(x+1/2)^2-1/4=5/16

now solve for x

(x+1/2)^2=5/16+1/4=9/16

(x+1/2)^2=9/16

x+1/2=+-sqrt(9/16)

x+1/2=+-3/4

x=-1/2+-3/4

x_1=-1/2+3/4=1/4

x_2=-1/2-3/4=-5/4